Mobile retail store structure

ABSTRACT

A self-contained mobile retail store structure which is transportable from one location to another. The structure is mounted to a frame which is coupled to a plurality of wheels by a hydraulic system capable of raising, lowering, inclining and declining the structure relative to a ground surface. In a stationary position, the walls of the structure contact the ground surface, and in the transportable position, the walls of the structure are spaced from the ground surface. The mobile retail store structure of this disclosure fits in a standard-sized parking space, and may be configured with other similar structures to expand the retail area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 16/217,156, filed Dec. 12, 2018, entitled MOBILE RETAIL STORESTRUCTURE, which in turn claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/598,631, filed Dec. 14, 2017, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entiretyfor all purposes.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to mobile retail stores and, moreparticularly, to a transportable trailer structure configured to houseretail products.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, retail stores have been located at fixed positions,including stand-alone stores, or stores that are part of a shoppingcenter or mall. As such, it is necessary for customers to travel tothese stores to buy merchandise. However, due to the costs of building,renting and maintaining store space, trucks and other mobile retailstructures for providing limited retail services are often an attractiveoption to a retailer. Typically, the mobile retail structure is avehicle which has been retrofitted to function as a retail store, oftenhaving racks or shelves secured along the inside walls of the structurefor the display of consumer items.

Although shoppers may enjoy the novelty and convenience of a mobilestore, there are many limitations inherent in these retail spaces. Forexample, a large mobile retail store may require a large set-up space,which may not be easily viewable or accessible by a potential customer.The retail structure may require significant amounts of time to set upand disassemble when the structure is moved from one location toanother. Furthermore, many existing retail structures are difficult andexpensive to move, and cannot be moved with a standard truck. Finally,current mobile retail structures are typically limited in theirconfigurations, and cannot be customized by the retailer depending uponthe application.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Described herein is a self-contained mobile retail store structure whichis easily transportable from one location to another. The structure ismounted to a frame which is coupled to a plurality of wheels by ahydraulic system capable of raising, lowering, inclining and decliningthe structure relative to a ground surface. In a stationary position,the walls of the structure are adjacent to the ground surface, providingthe consumer with easy access into the interior space. In thetransportable position, the walls of the structure are spaced from theground surface, making it easier for the structure to be transported.Advantageously, the mobile retail store structure of this disclosurefits into a standard-sized parking space, providing easy access to aconsumer, and may be customizable by the retailer as desired.

Further examples of the mobile retail store structure of this disclosuremay include one or more of the following, in any suitable combination.

In examples, the mobile retail store structure of this disclosureincludes a base having a top, a bottom, a proximal end and a distal end.A body section has a floor portion coupled to the top of the base. Thefloor portion extends distally in angular direction such that a distancebetween the distal end of the base and the floor portion is greater thana distance between the proximal end of the base and the floor portion.The structure further includes at least one set of wheels configured totransport the body section, and a hydraulic system coupling the bottomof the base and the at least one set of wheels. The hydraulic system isconfigured to move the base from a transportable position, in which thefloor portion is angled with respect to a ground surface and the distalend of the base is spaced from the ground surface, to a stationaryposition, in which the floor portion is substantially level with respectto the ground surface and the distal end of the base engages the groundsurface.

In further examples of the structure, in the transportable position, atleast a portion of the floor portion is level with or above a topsurface of the at least one set of wheels and the base is substantiallylevel with respect to the ground surface. In the stationary position,the floor portion extends below a top surface of the at least one set ofwheels and the base is angled with respect to the ground surface. Inexamples, an angle formed between the base and the ground surface isabout 4 degrees. In further examples, the body section includes at leastone side wall attached to the floor portion. At least a portion of theat least one sidewall extends below the floor portion toward the groundsurface. In the transportable position, the portion of the at least oneside wall is spaced from the ground surface. In the stationary position,the portion of the at least one side wall is adjacent the groundsurface. In yet further examples, a length and width of the body sectionare selected to fit within a standard parking space. In examples, alength of the body section is about 16 feet and a width of the body isabout 8½ feet. A greatest height of the body section is about 12½ feet.In examples, an angle formed between the floor portion and the base isabout 4 degrees.

Examples of a method of moving the base of the mobile retail storestructure from the transportable position to the stationary position ofthis disclosure include actuating the hydraulic system coupling thebottom of the base and the at least one set of wheels of the structure.Actuation of the hydraulic system causes the base to move from thetransportable position, in which the floor portion is angled withrespect to a ground surface and the distal end of the base is spacedfrom the ground surface, to the stationary position, in which the floorportion is substantially level with respect to the ground surface andthe distal end of the base engages the ground surface.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a readingof the following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of aspects as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to thedetailed description, in conjunction with the following figures,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mobile retail storestructure of this disclosure in a stationary position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mobile retail store structure of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of the mobile retail storestructure of FIG. 1 in the stationary position (FIG. 3A) and in thetransportable position (FIG. 3B);

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a hydraulic system used to elevate,de-elevate, incline or decline the mobile retail store structure of FIG.1; and

FIGS. 5 and 6A-C illustrate a plurality of mobile retail storestructures used in tandem to increase the available retail space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like components have been given thesame reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown indifferent examples. To illustrate example(s) in a clear and concisemanner, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certainfeatures may be shown in somewhat schematic form. Features that aredescribed and/or illustrated with respect to one example may be used inthe same way or in a similar way in one or more other examples and/or incombination with or instead of the features of the other examples.

As used in the specification and claims, for the purposes of describingand defining the invention, the terms “about” and “substantially” areused to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. The terms “about” and “substantially” are also usedherein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representationmay vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in thebasic function of the subject matter at issue. “Comprise,” “include,”and/or plural forms of each are open ended and include the listed partsand can include additional parts that are not listed. “And/or” isopen-ended and includes one or more of the listed parts and combinationsof the listed parts. Use of the terms “right side” and “left side”herein is intended only to help in the clear description of the presentdisclosure and are not intended to limit the structure, positioningand/or operation of the doors, steps and/or awnings in any manner.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an example of a mobile retail store structure 10of this disclosure is illustrated in a stationary position. Thestructure 10 generally includes a trailer body 12 configured bothexteriorly and interiorly for housing consumer goods. For example, aninterior of the trailer body 12 may include shelves, bars, hooks,counters, seating and/or other structures convenient for the viewingand/or displaying of merchandise. In examples, the trailer body 12 maybe made from metals or metal alloys selected for performance, strengthand/or heat resistance, such as aerospace grade metals. An exterior ofthe trailer body 12 may be comprised of any suitable material, such asmetal, wood, or combinations thereof, selected to provide anaesthetically pleasing appearance of the trailer body 12. Spaces forsignage (not shown) may be included on the exterior of the trailer body12, depending upon the application. Advantageously, the trailer body 12of this disclosure is sized to fit into most standard parking spaces,which typically have a length of between 16 and 20 feet, and a width ofbetween 8 and 10 feet. For example, a length L of the trailer body 12may be about 16 feet and a width W of the trailer body 12 may be about8½ feet. A greatest height H of the trailer body 12 may vary, but ingeneral is sized to clear an overpass while being transported. Inexamples, the greatest height H of the trailer body 12 may be about 12½feet. Preferably, a weight of the trailer body 12 is selected to allowthe trailer body 12 to be maneuverable by hand within a selected parkingspace.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the trailer body 12 includes an interiorspace 14 surrounded and defined by an enclosure wall that includes afloor 16, a roof 18, a front wall 20, a rear wall 22, a right side wall24 and an opposing left side wall 26. The roof 18 may be comprised ofmetal or any other suitable material. In examples, the floor 16 may besupported by a metal subfloor (not shown). Notably, when the trailerbody 12 is in the stationary position, the floor 16 is spaced from theground surface 30 such that portions of the front wall 20, the rear wall22, the right side wall 24 and the left side wall 26 extend below thefloor 16 toward the ground surface 30. A side door 28 is defined by theright side wall 24 of the trailer body 12 for entry into and exit fromthe interior space 14. When the trailer body 12 is in the stationaryposition, a bottom of the side door 28 may be about 14 inches from theground surface 30. The trailer body 12 may also include a firstplurality of steps 32 for providing access to the side door 28. Inexamples, the first plurality of steps 32 are manual, pull-out stepswhich may be optionally deployed when the trailer body 12 is in thestationary position.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the trailer body 12 may also include a frontdoor 34 defined by the front wall 20 of the trailer body 12 for entryinto and exit from the interior space 14. In examples, the front door 34may be a double “French door,” known in the art. The structure 10 mayalso include a removeably attachable platform staircase 36 that is sizedto be a comfortable stairway for people wishing to enter the trailerbody 12. The staircase 36 includes a second plurality of steps 38 thatextend substantially from about 6 inches below the front door 34 to theground surface 30. When it is desired not to use the staircase 36, thestaircase 36 is removed from the trailer body 12. In other examples, notshown, the staircase 36 may include a ramp portion for making thetrailer body 12 accessible to wheelchairs or to consumers having otherdisabilities. The trailer body 12 may further include one or morestationary windows 40, which may be customizable in size, shape andlocation. In examples, the right side wall 24 of the trailer body 12 maydefine a service window 42, which may be enclosed with fold-out panels(FIG. 2). An extendable awning 44 may be associated with the servicewindow 42. The awning 44 includes a framework that is both collapsibleinto a stored position and extendible into an expanded position for use.A flexible material or other suitable covering extends over theframework to complete the awning 44. The awning 44 is housed in itsstored position within a channel, cavity, recess or other structure (notshown) adjacent the service window 42 in a conventional manner.

Further examples of the trailer body 12, not shown, may include an HVACunit for providing heating, cooling and electrical power to the trailerbody 12. A generator may supply the electrical power for operation ofall systems housed within the trailer body 12 and may be stored with theHVAC system outside the confines of the interior space 14 of the trailerbody 12 to conserve space, reduce interior noise and provide betterventilation for exhaust. The trailer body 12 may further be outfittedwith communication systems, such as wireless local area networking(Wi-Fi), for the convenience of the consumer.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a view of the right side wall 24 of the trailerbody 12 is illustrated in further detail, the left side wall 26 beingsubstantially, with the exception of window and door placement, a mirrorimage thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the structure 10 includes a frame 46extending between a proximal end 45 and a distal end 47. The trailerbody 12 is mounted on the frame 46 in an angled position such that adistance between the distal end 47 of the frame 46 and the floor 16 isgreater than a distance between the proximal end 45 of the frame 46 andthe floor 16. In examples, the angle formed between the frame 46 and thefloor 16 is about 4 degrees. The frame 46 is mounted on a plurality ofwheels 48 by means of a hydraulic system 50 coupled to the plurality ofwheels 48 and to the frame 46. The hydraulic system 50 is configured toboth raise and tilt the frame 46 with respect to the ground surface 30,as will be described in more detail below. The plurality of wheels 48may include at least a set of four wheels arranged with two wheels intandem on opposing sides on the trailer body 12. The proximal end 45 ofthe frame 46 may further include a hitch 52 for attachment to atransportation vehicle. The transportation vehicle can be any vehiclehaving its own integral means of propulsion, such as a car, an RV-typevehicle, a bus, or a truck. The hitch 52 may be provided with apivotable support member (not shown) for stabilizing the hitch 52against the ground surface 30 when the structure 10 is in the stationaryposition.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the trailer body 12 is in the stationaryposition, the floor 16 is substantially level with respect to the groundsurface 30, even when the ground surface 30 is uneven. Additionally, inthe stationary position, the frame 46 is angled from the ground surface30 such that the distal end 47 of the frame 46 engages the groundsurface 30 and the proximal end 45 of the frame 46 is spaced from theground surface 30. In examples, the angle formed between the frame 46and the ground surface 30 is about 4 degrees. The floor 16 furthermoreextends between the opposing pairs of plurality of wheels 48 and below atop surface 49 of the plurality of wheels 48, while portions of the sidewalls 24, 26 extend below the floor 16 to be adjacent the ground surface30 on either side of the plurality of wheels 48. As shown in FIG. 3B,when the trailer body 12 is in the transportable position, at least aportion of the floor 16 is level with or above the top surface 49 of theplurality of wheels 48, and the portions of the side walls 24, 26extending below the floor 16 are spaced from the ground surface 30.Furthermore, the frame 46 is substantially level with respect to theground surface 30 while the floor 16 is angled with respect to theground surface 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a hydraulic system 50 used to elevate,de-elevate, incline or decline the mobile retail store structure 10 ofthis disclosure. The hydraulic system 50 may be modified from one of anumber of commercially available hydraulic systems 50 used to elevate,de-elevate, incline or decline a trailer bed, such as the hydraulicsystem disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,227, assigned to The AdvanceMetal Working Company, Inc. (Kewanee, Ill.), incorporated herein byreference. Examples of the hydraulic system 50 may comprise componentparts such as wheel supports 54, adjustable arms 56, joints 58,hydraulic cylinders 60, and hydraulic tubing 62 attaching the frame 46to the plurality of wheels 48. By coordinating the movement of thecomponent parts, the frame 46 can be inclined, declined, elevated,de-elevated, or any combination thereof, relative to the ground surface30.

Turning now to FIG. 5, the mobile retail store structure 10 of thisdisclosure may be used in tandem with another structure 10′ to increasethe amount of retail space available to the merchandiser. In the exampleof FIG. 5, the side door 28 is associated with the right side wall 24 oftrailer body 12 and the side door 28′ is associated with the left sidewall 26′ of trailer body 12′. In this configuration, each trailer body12, 12′ includes a front door 34, 34′ positioned and located in opposedrelationship to each other. Extendable awnings 64, 64′ may be associatedwith the front doors 34, 34′ to protect the passageway extending betweenthe trailer bodies 12, 12′. Advantageously, the trailer bodies 12, 12′can be individually moved from one location to another and can beassembled and disassembled more rapidly than typical mobile stores.Furthermore, the interior of each individual trailer body 12, 12′ can beconfigured differently depending upon the particular application.Multiple retail store structures 10 can also be arranged into“villages”, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 6A-C.

While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting, the full scope rather beingconveyed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile retail store structure transportable to a plurality of locations, the structure comprising: a base including a top, a bottom, a proximal end and a distal end; a body section having a floor portion coupled to the top of the base; at least one set of wheels configured to transport the body section; and a hydraulic system coupling the bottom of the base and the at least one set of wheels; wherein the hydraulic system is configured to move the base from a transportable position, in which the floor portion is angled with respect to a ground surface and the distal end of the base is spaced from the ground surface, to a stationary position, in which the floor portion is substantially level with respect to the ground surface and the distal end of the base engages the ground surface.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the floor portion extends distally in an angular direction such that a distance between the distal end of the base and the floor portion is greater than a distance between the proximal end of the base and the floor portion.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein, in the transportable position, at least a portion of the floor portion is level with or above a top surface of the at least one set of wheels.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein, in the stationary position, the floor portion extends below a top surface of the at least one set of wheels.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein an angle formed between the floor portion and the base is about 4 degrees.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the body section further comprises at least one side wall attached to the floor portion, at least a portion of the at least one sidewall extending below the floor portion toward the ground surface.
 7. The structure of claim 6, wherein, in the transportable position, the portion of the at least one side wall is spaced from the ground surface.
 8. The structure of claim 6, wherein, in the stationary position, the portion of the at least one side wall is adjacent the ground surface.
 9. The structure of claim 1, wherein, in the transportable position, the base is substantially level with respect to the ground surface.
 10. The structure of claim 1, wherein, in the stationary position, the base is angled with respect to the ground surface.
 11. The structure of claim 10, wherein an angle formed between the base and the ground surface is about 4 degrees.
 12. The structure of claim 1, wherein a length and width of the body section are selected to fit within a standard parking space.
 13. The structure of claim 1, wherein a length of the body section is about 16 feet and a width of the body is about 8½ feet.
 14. The structure of claim 1, wherein a greatest height of the body section is about 12½ feet. 